Jammu, Oct 11: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday dismissed reports suggesting that ministers had submitted their resignations ahead of a possible Cabinet expansion, asserting that no minister had been asked to step down.

Choudhary made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying obeisance at Kali Mata Mandir at Bahu Fort on the first day of Navratri.
Rejecting reports of an impending mass resignation ahead of a Cabinet reshuffle, the Deputy Chief Minister said no minister had submitted a resignation and urged the media to avoid spreading speculation.
He maintained that decisions regarding Cabinet expansion and ministerial appointments rested with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
“Their decision will be final. Whoever they decide to induct will be inducted, and whoever they decide to remove will be removed,” he said.
Choudhary also dismissed suggestions that party legislators were lobbying for ministerial positions, asserting that the leadership was capable of assessing the suitability of legislators for government responsibilities.
He said not every legislator could be accommodated in the Council of Ministers and that decisions on ministerial appointments were part of the leadership’s prerogative.
The Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence in the National Conference leadership and rejected speculation that the proposed Cabinet expansion could trigger a split within the party.
His remarks came amid reports of a possible reshuffle and expansion of the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers, fuelling speculation over potential changes in the government.
Choudhary also urged media organisations to focus on issues of public importance rather than political speculation.